Viola A. Dent

Or hearts are broken as we share the news of the passing our beloved Mother and the Matriarch of our family.

Viola passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2021 with family at her side. She was born In Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin on June 3, 1927. Viola was member of the Greatest Generation, and identified as a WWII Bride marrying her one and only love, Wade “Curly” Dent. They married in 1946 and spent 56 years together before his passing, raising their three kids in the house they built on 28th Street. She was an amazing woman and loved by all. She spent her life serving and caring for others. Viola was a devout Catholic and member of St James Catholic Church where she volunteered for many roles offering comfort to those in need.
She was a great friend to everyone especially the group of banquet girls she worked with at the Clock Tower Inn and in her retirement, the Stockholm Inn. Many were a part of bowling team, the Fairview Queens and a poker group for over 50 years…nickel ante only! Viola was a reluctant traveler but a trip to Rome to visit the Vatican, traveling the Irish countryside with family and most recently celebrating her 91st birthday in Norway with her kids and meeting her cousins for the first time, were the highlights of someone afraid to fly. She was an animal lover and her beloved dog Roma shared her bed at Central DuPage Hospital hours before her passing. We are forever thankful for Nurse Emily for making that happen. She’ll be remembered for her kindness, joyous laugh, and evening cocktail hour. She credited her 93 healthy years to a glass wine every night. So raise a toast in our Mom’s honor!

Survived by her children, Greg Dent, Debbie Klinefelter (Walt), Lisa Dent Flesner (Brent); grandchildren, Jamie Dent (Jodi ), Nicole Dent, Derek Hatfield (Carrie), Liam Bielefeldt, Lana Flesner, Ashley Ferguson (Chad) Nick Klinefelter (Carrie Kotlowski);
great grandchildren, her precious AJ and David Wade Dent, Hailey and Avery Ferguson, Caylie and Colyn Kotlowski; brother, Ken Larson; cousins, nieces and nephews; special friends, Doris Herbert, Eunice Bradley, Anna Stagal, Mary Massey, Mary Collins, Mary Leatherby, Char Morley and family friend, Stacy Gulden. Predeceased by husband, Wade “Curly” Dent; parents, Anna and Frank Larson; brothers, Frank Larson and Roger Larson; daughter-in law, Denise Gargani Dent.

Known by Vi, she was given many other nicknames, Big Ma, Grammy, Grandma and Grandma Vi but to us she will always be Mom.

Walk through Visitation will be held Monday, March 15, 2021 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Masks and social distancing are required. Private Mass at St. James Catholic Church. Viola will be laid to rest at Arlington Memorial Burial Park. Donations may be made in Viola’s name to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, mercyhome.org or PAWS Chicago, pawschicago.org.